• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.207-214
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• 2005

Breast cancer detection using electrical impedance techniques is based on numerous experimental findings that cancerous tissues have higher electrical conductivity values than normal tissues. Lately, by taking advantage of the structure of current flows underneath a planar probe of array electrodes, a mathematical formula to find lesions from a measured trans­admittance map has been derived. In order to experimentally validate its mathematical analysis and the suggested lesion estimation algorithm, we developed a 256-channel trans-admittance scanner (TAS) for probing anomalies underneath a planar array of electrodes. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of the TAS. Its performance together with the lesion estimation algorithm was evaluated using saline phantoms. Further studies are proposed to validate the system on human subjects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.387-391
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• 2015

Background: Fluorine-18 deoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) and bone scintigraphy (BS) are widely used for the detection of bone involvement. The optimal imaging modality for the detection of bone metastases in hormone receptor positive (+) and negative (-) groups of breast cancer remains ambiguous. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two patients with breast cancer, who had undergone both 18F-FDG-PET/CT and BS, being eventually diagnosed as having bone metastases, were enrolled in this study. Results: 18F-FDG-PET/CT had higher sensitivity and specificity than BS. Our data showed that 18F-FDGPET/CT had a sensitivity of 93.4% and a specificity of 99.4%, whiel for BS they were 84.5%, and 89.6% in the diagnosis of bone metastases. ${\kappa}$ statistics were calculated for 18F-FDGPET/CT and BS. The ${\kappa}$-value was 0.65 between 18F-FDG-PET/CT and BS in all patients. On the other hand, the ${\kappa}$-values were 0.70 in the hormone receptor (+) group, and 0.51 in hormone receptor (-) group. The ${\kappa}$-values suggested excellent agreement between all patient and hormone receptor (+) groups, while the ${\kappa}$-values suggested good agreement in the hormone receptor (-) group. Conclusions: The sensitivity and specificity for 18F-FDG-PET/CT were higher than BS in the screening of metastatic bone lesions in all patients. Similarly 18F-FDG-PET/CT had higher sensitivity and specificity in hormone receptor (+) and (-) groups.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.168-173
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• 2001

Background and Objectives： The introduction of highly sensitive imaging techniques has made it possible to detect many non-palpable nodules, or“incidentaloma”in the thyroid. Discovery of these lesions raises concerns about their malignancy, but the optimal strategy for managing these lesions has not been clearly established. This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonographic exam with new diagnostic criteria and presume the value of mass screening for thyroid cancer. Materials and Methods : Mass screening for thyroid cancer were carried out in conjunction with mass screening for breast cancer. The subjects were 630 women aged 30 years or over. Thyroid glands were examined with 10 MHz transducer ultrasonography by one radiologist. Needle aspiration biopsy were performed when suspicious of malignancy under the new diagnostic criteria. Results and Conclusion : The new ultrasonographic criteria to diagnose thyroid cancer provided useful information and ensured more accurate evaluation. 7 cases of thyroid cancer were discovered and successfully managed. It should be further demonstrated that there is sufficient value of mass screening for thyroid cancer to perform it independently despite early cancer detection.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.133-143
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• 2014

Purpose : The aim of this study was to determine the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features associated with re-excision due to the presence of a positive margin after breast conserving therapy (BCT) in breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 286 consecutive breast cancer patients who received BCT between January 2006 and December 2007. Among 246 patients who had undergone BCT, 38 (15.4%) underwent immediate further surgery due to positive margin status. We analyzed the MRI findings using ${\chi}^2$ test, Fisher's exact test and t tests. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted for prediction of re-excision. Results: Tumor size (p < 0.001), lesion multiplicity (p = 0.003), and non-mass-like enhancement (NMLE) type on MRI (p < 0.001) were associated with margin involvement in BCT. On preoperative MRI, larger size (${\geq}5cm$) (odds ratio = 2.96), NMLE (odds ratio = 3.81), and multifocal lesions (odds ratio = 2.54) were positively associated with re-excision. In cases involving NMLE, segmental distribution was associated with a greater likelihood of immediate re-excision. Conclusion: Larger size, multiplicity, and NMLE on MRI are significantly associated with re-excision after BCT in breast cancer patients. For NMLE lesions, the segmental distribution pattern was predictive of re-excision.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.2
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• pp.395-408
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• 2020

Purpose To evaluate the value of clinicopathologic factors and imaging features of primary breast cancer in predicting early recurrence after the primary treatment. Materials and Methods We enrolled 480 patients who had been followed-up after breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant therapy from January 2010 to December 2014 at our hospital. Early recurrence was defined as recurrence within 3 years after completion of primary treatment, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the clinicopathologic and imaging predictive factors of early recurrence. Results In the univariate analysis, among the clinicopathologic factors, advanced stage (p = 0.021), high histologic grade (p < 0.001), estrogen receptor negative (p = 0.002), high Ki-67 proliferation index (p = 0.017), and triple-negative breast cancer (p = 0.019), and among the imaging features, multifocality (p < 0.001), vessels in the rim on Doppler ultrasonography (US) (p = 0.012), and rim enhancement (p < 0.001) on magnetic resonance imaging of the breast were significantly associated with early recurrence. In the multivariate analysis, advanced stage [odds ratio (OR) = 3.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-10.73; p = 0.031] and vessels in the rim on Doppler US (OR = 3.32; 95% CI 1.38-8.02; p = 0.008) were the independent predictive factors of early recurrence. Conclusion Vascular findings in the rim of the primary breast cancer on Doppler US before treatment is a radiologic independent predictive factor of early recurrence after the primary treatment.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1997 no.11
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• pp.365-368
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• 1997

We are developing a small gamma camera or imaging malignant breast tumors. The small scintillation camera system consists of NaI(Tl) crystal ($60\;{\times}\;60\;{\times}\;6\;mm^3$) coupled to position sensitive photomultiplier tube (PSPMT), nuclear instrument module (NIM), analog to digital converter (ADC), and personal computer. High quality flood source image and hole mask image were obtained using the gamma camera developed in this study. Breast phantom containing $2{\sim}7\;mm$ diameter spheres was successfully imaged with parallel hole collimator. The obtained image displayed accurate activity distribution over the imaging field of view. Linearity and uniformity correction algorithms are being developed. It is believed that the developed small gamma camera could be useful or detection of malignant breast cancer.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.451-455
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• 2008

Purpose: Lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel node biopsy has become a standard method for detection of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients, but the standard radiopharmaceutical was not prepared. About detection of axillary lymph node metastasis by lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer patient, we compared the results of Tc-99m Tin-colloid and Tc-99m Phytate by subareolar injection. Materials and Methods: This study included 382 breast cancer patients who were performed operation during 2001-2008. Three hundred forty nine patients was injected 0.8ml of Tc-99m Tin-colloid (37-185 MBq) by subareolar injection. Thirty three patients was injected 0.8ml of Tc-99m Phytate (37-185 MBq). Lymphoscintigraphy was performed in supine position and sentinel node localization was performed by hand-held gamma probe in operation. Result: Among 349 patients by Tc-99m Tin-colloid, 312 cases (89.4%) localized the sentinel node by lymphoscintigraphy, 304 cases (87.1%) localized by gamma probe. Among 33 patients by Tc-99m Phytate, 32 cases (97.0%) localized by lymphoscintigraphy, 33 cases (100%) localized by gamma probe. Detection rate by lymphoscintigraphy and gamma probe was superior for Tc-99m Phytate compared to that with Tc-99m Tin-colloid, with a statistically significant difference. (p<0.05, p<0.05) Conclusion: Tc-99m Phytate is a better choice for localization of sentinel node than Tc-99m Tin-colloid in breast cancer patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.329-335
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• 2013

Objective : Brain metastases in primary breast cancer patients are considerable sources of morbidity and mortality. Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has gained popularity as an up-front therapy in treating such metastases over traditional radiation therapy due to better neurocognitive function preservation. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic factors for local tumor control and survival in radiosurgery for brain metastases from primary breast cancer. Methods : From March 2001 to May 2011, 124 women with metastatic brain lesions originating from a primary breast cancer underwent GKRS at a tertiary medical center in Seoul, Korea. All patients had radiosurgery as a primary treatment or salvage therapy. We retrospectively reviewed their clinical outcomes and radiological responses. The end point of this study was the date of patient's death or the last follow-up examination. Results : In total, 106 patients (268 lesions) were available for follow-up imaging. The median follow-up time was 7.5 months. The mean treated tumor volume at the time of GKRS was 6273 $mm^3$ (range, 4.5-27745 mm3) and the median dose delivered to the tumor margin was 22 Gy (range, 20-25 Gy). Local recurrence was assessed in 86 patients (216 lesions) and found to have occurred in 36 patients (83 lesions, 38.6%) with a median time of 6 months (range, 4-16 months). A treated tumor volume >5000 $mm^3$ was significantly correlated with poor local tumor control through a multivariate analysis (hazard risk=7.091, p=0.01). Overall survival was 79.9%, 48.3%, and 15.3% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The median overall survival was 11 months after GKRS (range, 6 days-113 months). Multivariate analysis showed that the pre-GKRS Karnofsky performance status, leptomeningeal seeding prior to initial GKRS, and multiple metastatic lesions were significant prognostic factors for reduced overall survival (hazard risk=1.94, p=0.001, hazard risk=7.13, p<0.001, and hazard risk=1.46, p=0.046, respectively). Conclusion : GKRS has shown to be an effective and safe treatment modality for treating brain metastases of primary breast cancer. Most metastatic brain lesions initially respond to GKRS, though, many patients have further CNS progression in subsequent periods. Patients with poor Karnofsky performance status and multiple metastatic lesions are at risk of CNS progression and poor survival, and a more frequent and strict surveillance protocol is suggested in such high-risk groups.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.152-160
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• 2004

Radioiodide uptake in thyroid follicular epithelial cells, mediated by a plasma membrane transporter, sodium iodide symporter (NIS), provides a first step mechanism for thyroid cancer detection by radioiodide injection and effective radioiodide treatment for patients with invasive, recurrent, and/or metastatic thyroid cancers after total thyroidectomy. NIS gene transfer to tumor cells may significantly and specifically enhance internal radioactive accumulation of tumors following radioiodide administration, and result in better tumor control. NIS gene transfers have been successfully performed in a variety of tumor animal models by either plasmid-mediated transfection or virus (adenovirus or retrovirus)-mediated gene delivery. These animal models include nude mice xenografted with human melanoma, glioma, breast cancer or prostate cancer, rats with subcutaneous thyroid tumor implantation, as well as the rat intracranial glioma model. In these animal models, non-invasive imaging of in vivo tumors by gamma camera scintigraphy after radioiodide or technetium injection has been performed successfully, suggesting that the NIS can serve as an imaging reporter gene for gene therapy trials. In addition, the tumor killing effects of I-131, ReO4-188 and At-211 after NIS gene transfer have been demonstrated in in vitro clonogenic assays and in vivo radioiodide therapy studies, suggesting that NIS gene can also serve as a therapeutic agent when combined with radioiodide injection. Better NIS-mediated imaging and tumor treatment by radioiodide requires a more efficient and specific system of gene delivery with better retention of radioiodide in tumor. Results thus far are, however, promising, and suggest that NIS gene transfer followed by radioiodide treatment will allow non-invasive in vivo imaging to assess the outcome of gene therapy and provide a therapeutic strategy for a variety of human diseases.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10665-10673
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• 2015

Background: We wished to analyse patterns of use of needle biopsy procedures by BreastScreen Australia (BSA) accredited programs to identify areas for improvement. Design: BSA services provided anonymous data regarding percutaneous needle biopsy of screen detected lesions assessed between 2005-2009. Results: 12 services, from 5 of 7 Australian states and territories provided data for 18212 lesions biopsied. Preoperative diagnosis rates were 96.84% for lesion other than microcalcification (LOTM) and 93.21% for microcalcifications. At surgery 97.9% impalpable lesions were removed at the first procedure. Of 11548 Microcalcification (LOTM) biopsied, 46.9% were malignant. The final diagnosis was reached by conventional core biopsy (CCB) in 72.46%, FNAB in 21.33%, VACB in 1.69% and open biopsy in 4.52% of lesions. FNA is being limited to LOTM with benign imaging After FNAB, core biopsy was required for 38% of LOTM. In LOTM the mean false positive rate (FPR) was 0.36% for FNAB, 0.06% for NCB and 0% for VACB. Diagnostic accuracy was 72.75% for FNAB and 92.1% for core biopsies combined. Of 6441 microcalcifications biopsied 2305 (35.8%) were malignant. Microcalcifications are being assessed primarily by NCB but 6.57% underwent FNAB, 45.6% of which required NCB. False positive diagnoses were rare. FNR was 5% for NCB and 1.53% for VACB. Diagnostic accuracy was 73.52% for FNAB, 86.29% for NCB and 88.63% for VACB. Only 8 of 12 services had access to VACB facilities. Conclusions: BSA services are selecting lesions effectively for biopsy and are achieving high preoperative diagnosis rates. Gaps in the present accreditation standards require further consideration.